Artisans are fervently preparing for the Year of the Dragon in Weifang, a city renowned for its status as the town of handicrafts and folk arts in Shandong province.

Traditional woodblock paintings made for the Lunar New Year from Yangjiabu village depict the auspicious dragon, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. 

Weifang's paper cutting artworks. [Photo/WeChat account: rmrbssd]

Evolving beyond mere festive decor, these paintings are now cherished souvenirs globally, with an annual production value exceeding 110 million yuan ($15.45 million).

Weifang's redwood silver-inlaid lacquerware, a two-century-old national intangible cultural heritage, has expanded its allure to international leaders and dignitaries. Dragon-themed products, including phone cases and stationary, witness robust market demand.

Innovatively fusing tradition with creativity, craftsmen making decorated dough have introduced an artwork resembling a dancing dragon weighing 0.86 kilograms, featuring hidden ingots made from assorted fruit and vegetable juices. Sales have surged, with orders extending into pre-New Year celebrations.

Weifang's rich intangible cultural heritage, encompassing paper cutting, dragon clay sculpture, kites, and nuclear carving, enriches the festivities. The city, adorned with titles like world kite capital and East Asian cultural capital for 2024, continues to invest in cultural preservation, securing 137 million yuan for heritage protection.

Phone case made by local technique. [Photo/WeChat account: rmrbssd]

Weifang's cultural innovation radiates internationally, presenting a spectrum of dragon-themed cultural and creative products. This Lunar New Year, Weifang's crafts not only kindle festive spirit but also contribute to international cultural exchange.